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Owner reveals injection has made an incredible difference in her senior dog’s life

Owner reveals injection has made an incredible difference in her senior dog’s life

A dog mom shared the remarkable recovery of her oldest dog after receiving Librela injections to relieve her osteoarthritis symptoms.

Sarah (@sarenea96) posted the heartwarming journey of her now 15 year old dog who could barely make ends meet at the age of 12. Thanks to the injections, her eldest puppy is happily running outside today with renewed freedom and joy.

“This injection has changed my situation the life of a senior puppy! I am forever grateful. If your dog is suffering from osteoarthritis pain, I recommend 10/10,” Sara captioned the video, which has racked up 141,500 likes and 1.3 million views. TikTok.

Dr. Elizabeth Benson, a hospice veterinarian and founder of Paws into Grace, revealed the drug’s life-changing potential to Newsweek.

“In my experience, 70% of dogs see dramatic improvements in their stiffness and lameness. Many of them are more willing to take longer walks and become more social,” says Benson. “It has been a game changer for many of my patients, especially if they cannot tolerate nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).”

Librela is a veterinary injection used to relieve osteoarthritis pain in dogs, containing a monoclonal antibody called bedinvetmab.

This antibody targets nerve growth factor (NGF), which contributes to pain in dogs by binding to receptors involved in pain signaling. By inhibiting NGF, Librela effectively reduces pain without relying on traditional painkillers, according to Veterinary Prescriber.

In the emotional images, Sara reveals the incredible before and after of her dog’s progress. The video begins with her dog limping and struggling to move despite taking the anticonvulsant gabapentin, NSAID carprofen, turmeric and other supplements.

“Could barely go outside to potty, eat, struggling every day. I wonder which day would be my last,” reads the overlay text on the first clips of her frail, struggling companion.

Then the video transitions into a joyful transformation: her dog is now running around outside, healthier and more alive than ever.

“14 years old after a few months of receiving the Librela injection. Running uphill and enjoying every last minute I have on this earth,” Sara wrote alongside images of her pup enjoying life.

Newsweek reached for @sarenea96 for commenting via TikTok. We were unable to verify the details of the video.

Stock image of a limping dog.
Stock image of a limping dog. The dog could barely walk before receiving the injections.

Teamjackson/iStock/Getty Images Plus

Benson said of Librela: “I don’t use it as a sole pain medication, but it could be for mild arthritis, along with supplements such as omega fatty acids and joint support medications, to reduce the need for NSAIDs, which can be hard on the kidneys and liver. .”

In her blog, Benson notes that the drug could also be useful for dogs with bone cancer or osteosarcoma, although she advises caution in dogs with neurological problems.

She said: “Any dog ​​with hind leg weakness or poor coordination should not be prescribed Librela. Patients with underlying intervertebral disc disease or spinal cord inflammation/disease or degenerative myelopathy should not be prescribed Librela. It’s not entirely clear why, but the drug seems to make symptoms worse.”

TikTok users were moved by the dog’s uplifting transformation.

“As a vet tech, I have had the pleasure of witnessing the wonders of Librela firsthand. These videos always make me cry. So happy for your baby,” Ashley shared.

“We had a patient at work who couldn’t even get up on his own, and the owner was considering euthanasia due to quality of life concerns. We tried Librela, and now he’s in the clinic,” Liv said.

“I KNEW this was going to be about Librela!! As a vet tech of 13 years and a mother of a few old dogs myself, this injection has been a life saver!!!” Victoria added.

Do you have funny and cute videos or photos of your pet that you want to share? Send them to [email protected] with some details about your best friend and they could be featured in our Pet of the Week lineup.